"After feeling some reoccurring symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, my physician and I decided routine surgery would be best for this situation," said Burton, who was back at home soon after the outpatient procedure. "There is no such thing as an offseason in this sport so I wanted to get it done as soon as possible to be ready for my Caterpillar Visitors Center appearance with Richard (Childress) early next month. Plus, we have many test sessions planned in December with the No. 31 Chevrolet team in preparation for the 2013 season with my new crew chief Luke Lambert. I will be ready to go."

The 2013 Sprint Cup Series season will be Burton's 20th fulltime year in NASCAR's premier division. The South Boston, Va., native has amassed 21 wins, 132 top-five finishes, 248 top-10 finishes, six pole awards and led 6,513 laps during his illustrious career. Burton finished 19th in the 2012 Sprint Cup Series driver championship point standings with two top-five and six top-10 finishes. The RCR veteran driver qualified for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup from 2006-2008 and in 2010 with 14-time NASCAR championship winning car owner Richard Childress.